Saturday, May 27, 2017

Gun bill signed by Haslam

There are some good features in the bill*, but it also expands some gun-ban zones. You might think that it fixes some of the problems with the Guns in Parks bill. But. . .it still does not address this issue:

If you are going to an event such as a fair in a high-crime area of a city, and that event is posted, you still must disarm yourself to walk from your car to the "secure" venue.

Another gun-ban zone, the VA in Knoville

Meanwhile big-city mayors, governors, and others of our betters still get armed security on your dime.

*This appears to be the final version that became law, but don't bet the farm on it.

6 comments:

NB: My understanding of the final-form law (due to amendments) is that any building housing a "law enforcement agency" is exempt. Since the one-man "Farragut Police Department" is in city hall, guess the entire structure gets to keep it's stupid "gun-free zone" stickers?

From Steve Mead:"Key elements of this new law are filled with questions and unintended consequences. It requires local government (not the state) to have metal detectors and armed security screening everyone entering if posted against lawful carry.... then it exempts a long list of places including courthouses, police stations, schools, libraries, etc. from the requirement to have security. Parts of the existing law that prohibits posting buildings located in a park where unchanged.Section 5 (of SB0445, Amendment 6, that became the entire bill) changes one word in TCA 39-17-1306 (the restriction on weapons in "rooms where judicial proceedings ae in progress" to weapons being prohibited in the entire building when judicial proceedings are in progress anywhere in the building. In AndersonCounty this includes many offices that have nothing to do with the courts and personnel have had the freedom to arm themselves. The prohibition of weapons in courtrooms (now the entire building) exempts judges with carry permits and police of course. Wording also clarifies that metal detectors and armed guards screening folks are not required for buildings where judicial Proceedings take place (court houses) whether proceedings are in progress or not. And there is no reuirement of post so permit holders can be advised that handguns are no longer allowed in the entire building if proceedings (court) is in session… and it is a class E felony."